Sports data giant Stats LLC has dismissed longtime President & CEO Gary Walrath and will replace him with veteran sports digital media exec Ken Fuchs, marking the latest shakeup for the company under current owners Vista Equity Partners. Walrath had led the company since '03, but has seen the loss this year of key data distribution deals with the NFL and NHL. Fuchs, VP & Group Lead of sports, finance and product partnerships with Yahoo since '11, has also held senior roles with SI and Time Inc., and was heavily involved in Yahoo's recent global live stream of the Oct. 25 Bills-Jaguars game from London.
Fuchs will relocate from California to Illinois, where Stats is preparing to move from suburban Northbrook to a new downtown Chicago HQ. The executive transition is expected to be complete by month's end. Vista Equity Partners Operating Principal Martin Taylor said of Fuchs, "His proven track record negotiating industry-defining content partnerships, delivering successful new product experiences, and focusing on global media will ensure Stats is well positioned to deliver future-focused returns on its recent investments."
The shakeup also follows a layoff last month of about 30 employees at Stats, including Exec VP/Global Strategy Bill Squadron. Vista Equity conducted a lengthy search process over the past several months for the replacement to Walrath.
